Hay (since 1946 known as Hay-on-Wye) is a true marcher town. being right on the border between England and Wales. This border is marked by the Dulas brook, which flows into the river Wye to the east of the town. The main part of the town is in the Welsh County of Powys. The town's name in Welsh is Y Gelli (The Grove).

Throughout its thousand-year history Hay has undergone many transformations. These photographs and prints covering at least one hundred and fifty years, gives an idea of life in this small market town in a past age.

Hay now attracts a wide variety of visitors drawn by its reputation as a beautiful town, a world-renowned centre for the book trade, and by the tranquility of its setting at the foot of the Black Mountains and in the picturesque Wye Valley.

The town of Hay today

The photographs and pictures are intended to record the characters, buildings and events of a former way of life and provide a facinating glimpse of Hay in years gone by.

All the old photographs and prints in this site are from my later collection which has emerged since the publication of "Old Hay" in pictures and prints published in 2003*. These are all the latest additions to the collection and will be added to as more become available.

*The original book has been reprinted and is available at
Pemberton Books, High Town Hay .

If you know any names of people appearing on these old photographs or dates, or any other details I will be most grateful. Please send me your comments etc. from my "contact" page.

“To the Fallen”
The Royal British Legion Hay & District Branch is pleased to announce that with the generous support of local sponsorship from businesses, organisations and individuals, a new book, “To the Fallen” is now available.

The book provides photos, anecdotes, personal and service information on those service men from both wars commemorated on the Hay and Cusop War Memorials.
“To the Fallen” is available locally from poppy sellers, selected bookshops, the Royal British Legion Club, Hay and from Eric L. Pugh & Co., The Pavement,
Hay-on-Wye.

If you require details of how to obtain this book by post, please contact me here

All proceeds from “To the Fallen” will directly support the annual Poppy Appeal and the important ongoing welfare work of the Royal British Legion.

I must thank all those who have loaned or given me the original prints in order that they can be scanned, corrected and often repaired so that you and I can enjoy these glimpses into the past.

There are loads of old photographs within these pages. They are not in any chronological order. There are also some old converted 8mm films from the 1960's and 70's. The quality is not brilliant due to the conversion processes but may bring back a few memories.
Just enjoy.

Please note: Any unauthorised copying will constitute an infringement of copyright.